Perry School Shooting Comes Two Months After Soft Lockdown at Charles City Schools

The suspect in a Thursday (01.04) morning shooting at Perry High School died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office says a 6th grade student at the school was killed in the gunfire in which the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, used a pump-action shotgun. Four other students and one school administrator were also injured.

The incident was initially reported shortly around 7:30 am Thursday morning, the same day the school district was returning from winter break.

The incident comes two months after a threat posted on social media forced a soft lockdown at Charles City High School and Middle School. Charles City Police and school officials determined the threat was not credible after identifying the student involved who said it was a joke.

Regardless, Superintendent Anne Lundquist told our news department, that the early November situation required being fully investigated.

Thursday morning, Lundquist issued a letter to CCCSD families and staff in response to the Perry shooting, noting, “We want our families to know that we are in close contact with our local law enforcement officials. They believe the incident in Perry to be isolated, but we want to assure you that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Law enforcement staff will be in the middle school and high school over lunch today (Thursday), and in all buildings over the next several days informally to connect with students and prove a positive presence.” 

Lundquist added that school counselors are available and ready to assist students or staff struggling with the situation in Perry.

*You can read the full letter below

January 4, 2024

Dear Families and Staff,

As you may be aware, there has been an incident of school violence this morning at Perry High School, which is in a community near Des Moines. While the details are not yet clear, our thoughts are with the students, staff, and families of Perry at this time.

We want our families to know that we are in close contact with our local law enforcement officials. They believe the incident in Perry to be isolated, but we want to assure you that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Law enforcement staff will be in the middle school and high school over lunch today, and in all buildings over the next several days informally to connect with students and prove a positive presence.

We know that some students may struggle to process terrible news like this. Our school counselors are available and ready to assist, as needed. We encourage students to stop by the counseling office at their school at any time if they need support.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention to this important update.

Sincerely,

Anne Lundquist, Superintendent

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